Melatonin effect on platelet count in patients with liver disease

AIM: A positive effect of melatonin on platelet count in patients with chronic liver disease is reported in the current study. BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia occurs when the severity of liver disease is exacerbated. Reduction in the secretion of thrombopoetin, as an intrinsic hormone produced mainly by the liver, plays an important role in this complication induced by liver disease. METHODS: This research was a double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled pilot study. Patients with liver disease were given two 5-mg pearls of melatonin or a placebo for two weeks, and after a 2-week washout period, their groups were switched. Liver function tests and platelet counts were assessed once at the beginning and once at the end of each phase of the study. RESULTS: In the current study, 40 patients meeting the eligibility criteria were included. The average platelet count was significantly increased by melatonin in comparison with the placebo (from 175.67±92.84 to 191.10±98.82 vs. from 185.22±98.39 to 176.45±91.45) (p-value <0.001). Melatonin also significantly reduced ALT, AST, total bilirubin, and direct and MELD scores in patients with liver disease (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSION: Melatonin may increase platelet count and inhibit thrombocytopenia in patients with liver disease; however, more investigations are needed to confirm the current results.